The Health Information Relief Operation (HIRO) Fund

AHIMA and the AHIMA Foundation express our support for the victims of the recent  wave of natural disasters across the U.S. 

HIM professionals in areas affected by disasters face a unique challenge as they struggle to piece back together their own lives while working to recover as much of their community’s patient information as possible.

That is why AHIMA, through the AHIMA Foundation, has established the Health Information Relief Operation (HIRO) Fund to assist communities of health information professionals whose personal or professional lives have been severely disrupted by a natural or man-made disaster.

The HIRO Fund will provide immediate material relief made possible  through an initial $10,000 donation from AHIMA and the generosity of AHIMA members and the greater professional community of health information management.

The Foundation is currently accepting one-time donations and pledges in support of the HIRO Fund. To make an online donation to the fund, click here and select HIRO Fund from the “Donation Type” dropdown menu.

To make your donation by mail, send a check indicating your HIRO Fund designation to: AHIMA Foundation, 25351 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1253.

For Those Affected by Disaster

Requesting financial assistance: 
Only applicants who meet the following criteria will be considered for financial assistance from the HIRO Fund:

• Applicant must live and/or work in a county that has been declared a FEMA-designated disaster area within the past twelve (12) months
• Applicant must have an active registered AHIMA membership prior to the date that the county was declared a FEMA disaster area
• Applicant may request up to $500 in assistance to help in his/her effort to return to work and rebuild his/her life following a disaster
• All applications will be verified by the member’s local CSA

Eligible applicants can apply for financial assistance by completing and submitting the HIRO Fund Assistance Application as directed on the form. Upon verification by AHIMA Foundation and the applicant's CSA, financial assistance will be distributed to applicants as available and in as timely a manner as possible.  

Read AHIMA resources on managing health information in the wake of a disaster.

Share information in the AHIMA Disaster Management Community of Practice (requires AHIMA member login).